A sleek, silver-gray forward-swept wing supersonic passenger jet soared across the sky.
This aircraft, named the "Refraction MK2"—a rather lazy naming choice by Kagura Hitomi—was developed by Rhodes Island Industries.
It was an upgraded version of the original "Refraction," a commercial technology demonstrator.
After over a year of research and development, it had evolved into a fully operational model.
Unlike its predecessor, which was merely a subsonic technology testbed, the "Refraction MK2" featured a next-generation fully electric ion propulsion system.
This allowed it to accelerate from takeoff speed to Mach 2.3 in just 20 seconds.
It was also the first operational supersonic forward-swept wing aircraft in the world, marking Rhodes Island Industries' triumph over the aerodynamic challenges of such a design.
This breakthrough ensured safe supersonic flight for forward-swept wing aircraft.
With minor military modifications, this advanced structural design could be seamlessly adapted for next-generation supersonic fighter jets.
Naturally, the U.S. Air Force was eager about the project.
According to Pentagon estimates, this upcoming stealth supersonic forward-swept wing fighter would boast maneuverability and stealth capabilities three times greater than the current F-22.
Inside the luxurious cabin of the "Refraction MK2," Kagura lounged on a sofa, surrounded by three floating holographic screens.
Each displayed different content:
Incriminating evidence against a certain infamous individual, research reports on Rhodes Island's latest equipment, and a live feed of a corporate attack on A.I.M Pioneer Technologies.
While the situation with A.I.M was pressing, Kagura had other matters to attend to.
After leaving the medical hearing, she wasted no time and immediately flew to Los Angeles, on the opposite side of the North American continent.
Her intelligence briefings and routine work had to be handled aboard the plane.
Her reason for heading to Los Angeles was simple:
Christmas was approaching, and as per tradition, Tony Stark had invited her to a holiday "family dinner."
Ah, an invitation from Tony Stark—how could she refuse?
Beyond catching up and celebrating the holiday, Kagura was genuinely concerned about Tony's health and mental state.
From Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan, she had learned that Tony was sleeping less and less. Ever since the Battle of New York, he seemed trapped in a cycle of severe anxiety and panic attacks.
Well… it wasn't surprising.
Kagura sighed.
The more responsible a person is, the heavier the burden they carry.
Ordinary people might gossip about the "alien invasion of New York," but only those who had faced it firsthand understood how fragile human civilization truly was beneath the vast cosmos.
Tony Stark was undoubtedly pushing himself to prepare for the next extraterrestrial threat, his relentless drive slowly transforming into pathological anxiety.
"Honestly… you know you can rely on me, right?"
Kagura exhaled, shaking her head.
Rhodes Island Industries was doing everything it could to help protect the world. If only Tony trusted her a little more…
Shifting her focus back to the holographic displays, she watched as A.I.M's stock prices plummeted.
Following Rhodes Island Industries' sudden decision to dump all its A.I.M shares, the company's valuation had nosedived by 50% in just half a day.
Under normal circumstances, such aggressive stock dumping would be considered unethical and could lead to financial backlash or even legal sanctions.
But Kagura had already anticipated this and wasn't about to let herself be caught off guard.
Alongside selling off A.I.M stock, she had strategically released a series of scandals and negative reports about the company—information obtained through the "Argos" intelligence project.
By leveraging cloud-based data analysis, she had systematically exposed A.I.M's shady dealings to the public, turning what could have been seen as market manipulation into an act of remarkable foresight.
The media exploded with these revelations, and within hours, A.I.M was drowning in controversy.
Notably, Kagura hadn't fabricated a single detail.
She had merely shed light on the company's long history of dubious activities.
Investigations confirmed that A.I.M had engaged in numerous unethical practices over the past decade.
Seeing Rhodes Island's "brilliant" strategic move, the media showered praise upon Bruce Wayne and Kagura for their extraordinary business acumen.
From the public's perspective, Rhodes Island had expertly detected A.I.M's flaws and withdrawn just in time, avoiding disaster.
As panic spread, other investors followed suit, rapidly pulling out and driving A.I.M further into financial ruin.
In just one day, A.I.M was practically paralyzed.
Now, all Kagura had to do was wait for A.I.M's partners to cancel or freeze their contracts.
Once the company's market value and revenue hit rock bottom, she could swoop in, buy up all its remaining shares, and seize full control.
"Hmph. At least phase one went smoothly."
This was a textbook example of "cutting off the enemy's resources," a strategy designed to strip Aldrich Killian of his funds, technology, and business infrastructure.
With A.I.M finished, the only step left was to take down Killian himself.
"This 'demon' that Tony Stark himself created… I'll be the one to destroy him. Besides, that Extremis virus of his? I've got plans for it, hehe!"
The "Refraction MK2" touched down smoothly at Los Angeles International Airport.
Kagura swapped her formal business attire for a stylish navy-blue and black strapless mini dress, paired with carefully selected heels and thigh-high stockings.
Descending the aircraft's stairs, she radiated elegance.
Despite the Christmas season, Los Angeles enjoyed a far milder winter than New York.
Thanks to its favorable geographic location and Mediterranean climate, temperatures rarely dipped below 15°C (59°F) and could even reach 20°C (68°F) in winter.
So, even in December, Kagura could confidently flaunt her chic outfit and thigh-high stockings, dressing up like a little fairy.
"Hehe!"
As her plane landed, Rhodes Island Industries' Los Angeles branch had already arranged for her custom Porsche 911 to be delivered to the airport exit, courtesy of their advanced autonomous driving technology.
"Master, please set your destination."
As soon as Kagura slid into the driver's seat, a familiar voice—Cortana—activated.
A holographic map of Los Angeles appeared around the steering wheel, another exclusive feature of Rhodes Island's technology, available only in her personal vehicle.
"Set destination: Malibu. We're heading to Mr. Stark's house."
"Destination confirmed. Would you like some music, Master?"
"Hmm… let's go with 'Back in Black.'"
Ah, the joys of wealth!
The girl smiled contentedly as her car roared to life, speeding off toward Malibu.
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